Outlines of Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 011084
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mohanlal Mehta
Publisher: Jain Mission Society Bangalore
Publication Year: 1954
Total Pages: 195
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 7 MB

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OUTLINES OF JAINA PHILOSOPHY
rise to an enormous volume of smoke-particles. A scientist knows that a quantity of water when converted into steam occupies a volume about 1700 times greater than the original volume. Therefore, there is no possibility of contradiction between the conception of the universal spatial particles that are innumerable ( asankheya) and that of indefinite (ananta) particles of matter.
Now, how can we justify the conception of numerability, innumerability, and indefiniteness of material particles ? It is said that in one pradeśa, i.e., in one unitary cell of space only one atom of matter will find place if it is in a free state, but in an aggregate form any number of atoms can occupy one or more units of space. The same idea can be expressed in a different language: One atom occupies one unit of space, but two atoms in a state of combination may also be accommodated in the same unit. Two free atoms will occupy two units, but two atoms forming a diatomic molecule can cover one as well as two units. Three atoms can be located in a single unit if they are all in a state of condensation; they can occupy two spatial units if two atoms are in a state of condensation and one is free; they occupy three spatial particles if they are all free. And this process is to be continued to infinity.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CONCEPTION OF THE VAISEȘIKA AND THAT OF THE JAINA
The Vaiseșikas regard nine substances as the constituent elements of the universe other than qualities, actions, etc. They are: earth, water, fire, air, ether, time, space, soul, and mind.
Of these nine substances, earth, water, fire, and air are included in the Jaina category of pudgala ( matter ), since pudgala is defined as a substance possessing touch, taste, smell, and colour as its qualities. The Vaisesikas regard air as without colour, taste, and smell. It has the characteristic of touch only. This conception of the Vaisesikas is not tenable, because even an elementary student of physics knows that air can be converted into a 'bluish liquid' by continuous cooling, just as steam can be
1 Tattvärtha-sūtra, V, 14. 2 Sarvārtha-siddhi, V, 14.